LAST UPDATED: 5/22/26 – Chobe National Park Safari Guide

This Chobe National Park Safari guide post contains my Viator affiliate links. I may receive a commission when you book a tour from this article, though at no additional cost to you. I hand-pick and recommend only the tours that I have thoroughly researched and feel comfortable recommending.

A safari in Africa is one of the most exhilarating travel experiences in the world, offering the rare chance to see extraordinary wildlife in its natural habitat. I’ve explored seven national parks and three reserves across four African countries, and while each adventure was unforgettable, my favorite was my Chobe National Park safari this past autumn.

Chobe stands out for its massive elephant population, its role in Botswana’s great zebra migration, and its remarkably wild, authentic atmosphere. Whether you’re cruising the Chobe Riverfront to watch elephants, hippos, and crocodiles or heading into Savute to witness apex predators in action, a Chobe National Park safari leaves a lasting impression. It’s one of the most spectacular places in Africa to experience an authentic safari.

That’s why I created this Ultimate Chobe National Park Safari Guide—to share my experience, photographs, and practical advice so you can plan your own adventure. In this Chobe National Park safari guide, you’ll learn the entry requirements for Botswana, how to reach the park, which regions to explore, and which tours, lodges, and campsites I recommend, giving you everything you need to plan an unforgettable journey.

Chobe Safari Guide Navigation Menu

Botswana Entrance Requirements

Before you depart for your Chobe National Park safari in Botswana, you will need to make sure that you meet all of the requirements for entry into the country. To assist you in this preparation, I have created a short article that outlines all of the Botswana entry requirements for visitors. This includes the necessary passport, VISA, and customs requirements that you will need to consider before you depart for your trip.

Recommended Travel Immunizations

Important Note: I am not a medical doctor and do not have any medical experience. The information provided in this section is a summary of information that I got from the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States for travel to Botswana. I am providing you with this information to help bring awareness of the necessary vaccinations to you, but consultation with my guide should not replace a discussion about your travels with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.

One of the most important, and yet most often overlooked, aspects of travel is the necessary vaccinations that are required or recommended to keep you safe and healthy when you travel. Before you depart for Botswana, you are going to want to make sure that you have all of the proper vaccinations.

Some of these vaccinations, like the Yellow Fever vaccination, are included in the Botswana entrance requirements if you are traveling to Botswana from certain high-risk locations. Other vaccinations, such as a flu shot and the Typhoid vaccine, are recommended, but not required.

For your convenience, I have summarized the CDC’s recommendations on vaccines and healthcare for travelers visiting Botswana for you to review in my “Botswana Passport, VISA, Customs, and Immunization Requirements” guide linked below.

What to Bring on Your Chobe Safari

If you are visiting Africa to go on safari for the first time, you might not be sure of what to bring with you. To help you with these questions as you prepare for your Chobe National Park safari, I have developed several guides that you should review. First, my article on the “20 Tips for Those Visiting Africa for the First Time” will help you get prepared for what to expect when you arrive in Africa. It outlines what you should do, what you shouldn’t do, and gives you some tips that will help you know what to expect on your first visit to the continent of Africa.

Then, as you start to prepare for your trip, you will want to review my “Essential Safari Packing List” to make sure that you have all of the gear that you need and don’t pack what you won’t need with you. Finally, if you plan to take pictures on your safari, you will definitely want to review my “Tips for Photography on African Safaris” guide to make sure you get the best photographs possible to remember your adventure!

How to Get to Chobe National Park

Depending on how you plan to take a Chobe National Park safari, there are several different ways in which you can plan to get there. Chobe National Park is a huge park that covers over 4,500 square miles, so where you plan to tour within the park will have a big impact on how you will want to get there. In this section of my Chobe National Park Safari Guide, I provide you with some valuable information on how it will be best for you to plan your transportation to Botswana.

Getting to the Park

There are two airports within 1.5 hours of Chobe National Park, one in Kasane, Botswana, and the other in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. In addition, there is also an airstrip for smaller aircraft that is located in the Savute area of Chobe National Park. If you are planning to book a multi-day safari in Chobe National Park, the tour operator you choose is likely to want to pick you up in either Kasane or will help you organize your flight into Savute.

For those who are visiting the Victoria Falls area and would like to take a full-day safari in Chobe National Park, many tour operators will organize transportation for the one-hour drive from Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park. This includes assisting you with the border crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana and then back to Zimbabwe when your tour is finished. For a general understanding of where Chobe National Park is located in Botswana and relative to other parks and reserves in Botswana, please refer to the map I have included below.

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Recommended Chobe Safari Tours

Because Chobe National Park is such a big park, it will be difficult to see all of it in one visit. Which parts of the park you visit will depend a great deal on how much time you want to spend in the park and what tour you choose to book. If you are in the process of looking at Chobe National Park safari tours and would like some assistance with choosing the right one for your trip, I have included some resources below to assist you.

Chobe National Park Map

Before you choose a tour operator for your Chobe National Park safari, I think it is really important to understand a little bit about Chobe National Park. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the park, Chobe National Park is divided into four main areas. These areas include the Ngwenzumba Pans, Linyanti, Savute, and the Chobe Riverfront. To assist you in deciding which parts of the park you’d like to visit, I have included a park map and a description of each of these areas for you to review below.

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Recommended Chobe National Park Tours

Other Highly Rated Tours

Chobe Riverfront Region

Day tours to Chobe National Park typically focus on the Chobe Riverfront near Kasane, about an hour west of Victoria Falls. Most operators provide transport from Victoria Falls and help you navigate the Botswana border, which is why these day trips are so popular.

Tours usually combine a boat safari and a land safari, with one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, plus lunch. Along the river, you’ll often see large herds of elephants, buffalo, antelope, plus hippos and crocodiles in the water. On land, sightings can include giraffes, elephants, antelope, and occasionally lions or leopards. Wildlife viewing improves significantly during the dry season when animals gather near the river.

Linyanti Region

If you have more time to explore Chobe National Park and would like to maximize your chances of spotting predators, then one region of the park you might consider visiting is the Linyanti Region. Situated to the North of Savute in the corner of the park, the Linyanti Swamp is one of the prettiest areas of Chobe National Park. It is characterized by papyrus-lined waterways, vast reed banks, and beautiful riverine forests. In many ways, the Linyanti Swamp resembles the Okavango Delta in its beauty and diversity of wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife, the Linyanti Region of Chobe National Park is renowned for its large concentrations of elephants, lions, hippos, sable, and even the rare African painted dogs. The peak season for wildlife viewing in the region is during the dry winter months when wildlife concentrates near the Linyanti River for water.

In addition to land safaris in 4×4 vehicles, the area is also popular for bird walks and canoeing in the large lagoons and waterways.

Savute Region

The Savute region is one of the most remote, wild corners of Chobe National Park, drawing wildlife enthusiasts with its rugged isolation and the revived Savute Channel, which now flows again after decades of dryness and attracts animals to its lush marsh.

Savute is famous for its predators—notably large lion prides known for hunting elephants, along with abundant hyenas. These apex predators target the region’s buffalo, zebra, and elephant herds, making Savute one of Africa’s top places to witness predator action. Because of its remoteness, visiting Savute typically requires flying into the Savute airstrip on a small plane, which increases cost and travel time. Still, most travelers find the raw, untouched wilderness well worth the investment.

Ngwenzumba Pans region

The Ngwenzumba Pans are the third safari region of Chobe National Park, located about 70km (43.5 miles) south of the Chobe River. This area features a network of clay pans surrounded by grasslands, mopane forests, and combretum thickets. During the rainy season, more than a dozen pans fill with water, attracting wildlife.

Because animals move away from the permanent water sources of the Linyanti and Chobe rivers during the wet season, the pans become an excellent wet‑season safari destination. In the dry season, pumped man‑made waterholes keep wildlife in the area.

Though less visited than other regions, the Ngwenzumba Pans offer a unique, off‑the‑beaten‑path experience—ideal for travelers who’ve already explored Botswana’s more famous safari areas. Because few tours focus here, the best way to visit is by staying at a nearby lodge.

Best Times to Visit Chobe National Park

Because the river runs through the park, Chobe National Park is one of the parks in Africa where you have an excellent chance of spotting wildlife, no matter what time of year you visit. However, that doesn’t mean that some parts of the year aren’t better than others. If you are in the planning phase for your Chobe National Park safari and are trying to decide what time of year it would be best to visit, I have included a wealth of information for you to review below so that you can make an informed decision.

Average Temperature (℉) by Month

Temperature is an important factor when planning a Chobe National Park safari. From September to November, daytime highs can be extremely hot. Safaris typically run in the early morning and late afternoon, but if you don’t tolerate heat well, these months are best avoided. From May to August, average lows can be quite cold—especially in open safari vehicles during early‑morning game drives. Be prepared with warm layers if you visit during this period.

Average Precipitation (Inches) by Month

Precipitation is one of the most important factors when choosing when to visit Chobe National Park. Heavy rain can disrupt game drives, and it also affects how easy animals are to find. During the dry months of April to October, Chobe receives very little rainfall. As vegetation thins and water sources shrink, animals concentrate around the Chobe River and other permanent water, making wildlife sightings far more predictable—especially elusive species like leopards.

In the wet season, water is plentiful across the park, so animals spread out and can be harder to locate. For a full look at expected rainfall throughout the year, refer to the precipitation chart below.

Best Months to Visit Chobe National Park

If you are starting to plan your Chobe National Park safari and would like to know which months are best for visiting the park, I have put together a chart below that outlines which months I think are the best for visiting Chobe. I have also detailed some of the pros and cons of visiting Chobe National Park during both the dry and wet seasons to assist you in determining which time of year would be best for your visit.

Dry Season (April to October)

Positives

• There are a lot of sunny days and very little rain.
• Boat safaris are incredible as animals congregate along the riverfront.
• You can capture some spectacular sunsets on the river.

negatives

• The riverfront can get very busy during the peak months of July to October.
• It can be very dusty and dry during the peak of the dry season.
• The end of the dry season (September and October) can be very hot.

Wet Season (November to March)

positives

• It is birthing season for grazing animals, so there are high concentrations of predators in the park.
• Very large concentrations of zebra and other wildlife migrate to the Savuti marsh.
• Migrating birds visit the park, so it is the best time of year in Chobe for bird watching.

negatives

• Less wildlife congregates at the riverfront because water is more plentiful in the park, so wildlife is less congregated.
• The temperatures get very hot.
• There are frequent afternoon showers, which can hamper safari plans.

Where to Stay in Chobe National Park

If you prefer not to book a tour for your Chobe National Park safari, you can save money by arranging your own transportation and booking your lodging or campsite separately. Depending on where you stay, your accommodation may offer guided game drives you can use for your Chobe National Park safari. If not, you’ll need to self‑drive for your Chobe National Park safari.

If you’re planning a Chobe National Park safari without a tour package, the information below includes self‑drive tips and recommended campsites and lodges to help you prepare.

Recommended Chobe Camps and Lodges

Chobe National Park is an incredibly large park, and there are many wonderful lodges and campsites in and around the park to choose from. If you are choosing to book your own accommodations for your Chobe National Park safari adventure, I have included some of my recommendations for you to review below. These recommendations include campsites, lodges, and places with a mixture of both. I have also included some of my top picks for campsites and lodges at different price points so that you can choose the accommodations that are right for you and for your budget.

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Tips and Guidelines for Self-Drive Safaris in Chobe

Doing a self-drive Chobe National Park safari has its advantages, as you can go at your own pace and be on your own schedule, but it does require quite a bit of preparation and planning. If you are planning on doing a self-drive safari in Chobe National Park, there are several things that you should be aware of and prepare for before your trip. To assist you with this preparation, I have included some tips and guidelines for you to review below.

• Park rules — Stay on marked roads only; off‑road driving is prohibited.
• Dry‑season timing — Visit in the dry season to avoid flooded tracks.
• 4×4 requirement — Use a high‑clearance 4×4 to handle rough terrain.
• Tire pressure — Lower tire pressure on sand for traction; re‑inflate before pavement.
• Emergency communication — Carry a satellite phone for safety.
• Supplies — Pack ample food, water, and fuel for the day.
• Navigation — Use the Tracks4Africa app for reliable routing.
• Park fees — Be ready to pay entrance fees (270 Pula per foreign adult; 115 Pula per foreign‑registered vehicle; valid until 11AM the next day).
• Return before dark — Allow time to reach your lodge well before nightfall.

Wildlife You May See in Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park’s constant water supply from the Chobe and Linyanti Rivers and the Savute Marsh supports an exceptional concentration of wildlife. During the dry season, elephants and Cape buffalo crowd the Chobe River, while the plains zebra migration into Savute is a major highlight. Visitors also commonly see wildebeest, giraffe, puku, impala, and smaller numbers of greater kudu and sable antelope.

For predator enthusiasts, the Linyanti and Savute regions offer some of the best lion viewing in Africa, with large prides competing alongside dense populations of spotted hyenas, leopards, and occasional painted dogs and cheetahs. Crocodiles bask along the riverbanks, and hippos keep cool in the water. With such abundant wildlife, Chobe National Park remains one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations.

Chobe National Park Safari Tips

When you are on safari, especially while on a safari in Chobe National Park, where you have an opportunity to see animals from land and the water, it is easy to get lost in the experience.  Being on safari is such an amazing experience, and you should enjoy every single second of it.  However, if you aren’t careful, you might not get everything out of the experience that you could have.

To make sure that you get everything out of your Chobe National Park safari that you possibly can, I have provided some general safari tips below for you to review.

Be Patient and Open-Minded

When you are on safari, everything isn’t going to go according to plan.  The weather, the animal’s behavior, and other factors are going to impact where you go and what you see.  Chobe National Park provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa, but even in Chobe, you have to be ready to adjust your plans if necessary.

Safety First

It is really easy to get caught up in the safari experience and want to get the best pictures you possibly can.  However, safety should always be the primary concern.  To give you some help on how to remain safe while on safari in the Chobe National Park, I have outlined some general safety tips for you to review later in this guide.

Don’t Get Stuck Behind Your Camera

Everyone wants to get great pictures while on safari, and you should absolutely bring your camera and take a lot of pictures.  However, if you spend your entire time in Chobe National Park looking through your camera, you are going to miss out on some of the experience.  I would recommend setting your camera down every once in a while and just enjoying being in such an amazing place.

Ask Lots of Questions

Make sure you ask your safari guide a lot of questions while you are on safari in Chobe National Park.  It is easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to ask which type of animal you are looking at or why they are doing what they are doing, but your safari guide is there to answer these questions for you.  And believe me, they enjoy answering these questions.  Don’t get home and regret not asking those questions.

Do the Land and Boat Safaris

Unlike many wildlife parks in Africa, Chobe National Park allows you the opportunity to see the wildlife from both a safari vehicle and from a boat on the Chobe River. Each of these safari experiences allows you to get different and unique looks at the wildlife. Make sure you leave yourself enough time to do a safari by land and boat, or book a tour that offers both.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Chobe National Park is a very large park with very distinct and unique environments. Most day trips will offer safaris in the Kasane area, which allows you to do a boat and land safari near the Chobe River.

However, if you want to experience some of the more wild and untamed parts of Chobe, I recommend spending multiple days in the park and exploring other parts of the park as well.

One of my favorite parts of the park is the Savuti area, which borders the Okavango Delta. This is where you will find the infamous elephant-hunting lion prides and see high concentrations of predators.

Chobe National Park Safari Safety Tips

Being on Safari in Chobe National Park can be an amazing and exciting experience, but it can also be a very dangerous experience if you don’t follow the proper safety rules.  To ensure that your safari experience is a memorable and safe one, I have outlined some general safari safety rules for you to review below.

Obey Your Safari Guides at All Times

The most important safari safety tip of all is to listen to your safari guide and obey your guide at all times.  They are there to keep you safe, so let them.

Don’t Stick Anything Outside the Safari Vehicle

It is never a good idea to stick anything outside of a safari vehicle.  Whether this be your arms, your feet, or your camera as you try to get a great picture, keep them inside the vehicle at all times.

Don’t Make Any Quick or Sudden Movements

When you are in the safari vehicle, the animals tend to think of the vehicle and everything associated with it as one homogeneous entity.  However, if you make sudden and frantic movements or do something else to make you stick out as a part of the vehicle, you may become an object of interest to them.

Never Get Out of the Safari Vehicle Unless Your Guide Says You Can

This point cannot be stressed strongly enough. Never, and I mean never, get out of your safari vehicle unless your safari guide explicitly instructs that it is safe.

Never Leave Your Tent or Lodge Room at Night

This is another point that I cannot emphasize strongly enough.  You should never leave your tent or lodge room at night without a chaperone.  The African bush can be a dangerous place, especially at night, so make sure you follow whichever procedures your safari guide gives you for getting assistance at night.  If they don’t mention this, make sure you ask ahead of time.

Never, Ever Run When Confronted by an Animal

If you do find yourself outside of your vehicle and confronted by an animal (hopefully this never happens), then make sure that you stay as calm as possible, walk away slowly (never turning your back on the animal), and NEVER, EVER run away.

Never Swim in Lakes or Rivers

Unless you are explicitly told by your safari guide that the waters are free of hippos and crocodiles, you should never attempt to swim in a lake, river, or pond.  Even then, I would think twice about doing it.  Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animal, and crocodiles are not far behind on the list, so you always have to be safe when approaching bodies of water.

Never Stand Up on Safari Boats (Especially When Moving)

This tip should be very self-explanatory, but it is an important one, so I will mention it anyway. When on a boat safari, never stand up in a moving boat. Falling into the water could lead to drowning or a wildlife attack. In addition to staying seated, do not lean out of the boat or touch the water. There are wild animals in the water that may see this as an opportunity to attack.

Chobe National Park Photo Gallery

I have been on safari in four different African countries, and Chobe is certainly one of my favorite spots. I was able to capture so many spectacular photographs during my Chobe National Park safari that I want to share with you, so I have created the Chobe safari picture gallery for you to view below. I hope you enjoy these images and that they inspire you to book your own adventure in Chobe National Park!

If you would like to view some more of my top Chobe National Park safari photos, as well as photos from some of my many other travel adventures, make sure you are following me on Instagram as well!

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